Saudi investigates graft detainees who did not settle

By Fares Karam

RIYADH

Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor has begun investigation with corruption detainees, who did not reach settlements with the authorities, a Saudi official said Sunday.

Speaking to the London-based Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, deputy attorney-general Saud al-Hamad said that whoever is charged will be referred to court for prosecution in cases related to money laundering or terrorism.

He said the suspects who are being investigated are those who have not agreed to settle with the authorities or committed extreme crimes that required punishment.

In November, Saudi authorities arrested dozens of people, including 11 princes, ministers and businessmen, on corruption charges.

Most of the detainees were later released with Saudi authorities saying they netted over 400 billion riyals ($106.7 billion) in anti-corruption settlements.